With a voice that aches with honesty and a repertoire that speaks straight to the heart of listeners, Janine Teñoso has found her place in a special pocket of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), making her one of the most compelling young voices in the music industry.

Contrary to her soulful and easy-going music, Janine started as a “birit” (belting out singing style) queen, having risen to fame as a finalist in TV5’s popular singing competition, “Born to Be a Star.” Since then, she has carved out a remarkable career under Viva Records and has evolved from being a singer known for doing impressive song covers to a heartfelt songwriter with several hits under her belt.

And now, the “Pelikula” singer is about to mark a significant milestone in her career as she prepares to headline her first major solo concert, “JANINE” on Sept. 6, 2025 at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City. As she prepares for her highly anticipated show, Janine steps into the spotlight not just as a singer but as a songwriter and artist fully coming into her own. We caught up with the artist in our latest exclusive as we reflect on her incredible journey.

An Ever-Growing Journey

Janine is no stranger to the spotlight, having been singing at a young age and being part of a church choir. Her love for music has only grown since then, which led her to participate in singing competitions in high school. In 2016, she became a finalist on TV 5’s “Born to Be A Star,” which catapulted her to the mainstream music scene.

But apart from song covers and birit hits, Janine was especially talented in composing songs, a skill she had developed since she was sixteen. Her first single, “Fall,” was a lively acoustic pop song inspired by her friend’s love story in high school. This seemed to be a consistent theme in Janine’s discography as she continued to write raw and heartfelt music based on personal anecdotes, much like diary entries.

When asked if it was particularly difficult to bare one’s heart and soul into song, she replied, “Writing is the easiest part for me, especially when I’m alone in my bedroom, with no pressure to turn it into a single or share it with anyone. In those quiet moments, songwriting feels like journaling. It becomes a personal outlet, almost like a diary.”

“What’s harder is everything that comes after: finishing the song, producing the music, and preparing it for release. That whole process demands so much time and energy. Once the song is no longer just mine, or once there’s a chance it might be heard by others, my perfectionism kicks in. Suddenly, it’s not just about expression anymore, it’s about getting every detail exactly right,” she added.

Janine honed her songwriting skills through the years, crafting soulful pieces that not only sneaked into the hearts of listeners but also climbed up the charts. From her emotionally-charged renditions of Rivermaya’s “214” and the Itchyworms’ “'Di Na Muli” to her popular collaborative works with beloved Filipino artists such as Arthur Nery and Cup of Joe in “Pelikula” and “Tingin,” Janine further proved herself to be a shining force in pop music.

When asked if there are other collaborations that she would like to pursue in the future, she answered, “I’d love to collaborate with artists like mrld, Maki,Clara Benin, and Shanne Dandan in the future. I really admire their songwriting and the emotion they bring through their vocals. There’s something so honest and intimate about their music that I connect with deeply. It’s the kind of artistry I aspire to.”

Last May, the singer-songwriter released her latest single, “Pikit Mata,” a sonic slow-burn with a minimalist arrangement that immerses listeners in the delicate dance of unspoken emotions. The track stays true to her brand of introspective storytelling, delivering a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

“‘Pikit Mata’ was originally a song I wrote with the intention of pitching it as an OST for a series,” Janine told The Beat Asia. “I was really inspired after watching the first episode, and it sparked something, creatively. Unfortunately, it didn’t cut because of a tight deadline. So instead, I decided to just release it as a single.”

“The song explores the idea of finding peace in uncertainty, specifically in romantic relationships. It’s about someone who feels more at ease not knowing how the other person feels about them. Whether that person likes them back or not, there’s a kind of quiet comfort in not having the answer. It was inspired by the quote, ‘There is peace in not knowing.’”

The song truly showcases her growth and maturity as an artist, one that we are thrilled to witness as she embarks on her first major concert this September. Janine expressed her excitement for the upcoming event and said, “It feels amazing, but also a bit scary. It’s the biggest crowd I’ll be performing for so far, and to step onto that stage in front of that many people will be electrifying. It’ll surely be an experience I’ll never forget.”

The artist also shared with us some highlights attendees can look forward to. You can expect to hear most of her original songs that she has released through the years, with a focus on her latest EP, “Apat na Buwan,” which she released last year. Janine was also particularly excited about the arrangement, revealing that she’ll be performing these songs in a way she has never done before, offering a new sound and live music experience for her fans.

Further building up the excitement is her lineup of special guests, which includes Arthur Nery, Cup of Joe, The Juans, Rob Deniel, and “Ang Mutya ng Section E” star Rabin Angeles — who was featured in her “Pikit Mata” music video.

More than a show meant to showcase her talent, it’s also a celebration of her artistry — a chance to look back and reflect on her accomplishments as an artist and to welcome a new era of what’s to come.

“It’s been an ever-growing journey,” she said. “I’ve been in the industry for over nine years now, and being part of this concert feels like an affirmation of how far I’ve come. Looking back at my earlier work and seeing how it’s evolved into the discography I have today is really fulfilling. It reminds me that growth doesn’t always happen overnight, but it’s always happening.”

With a major concert and the promise of more music down the road, Janine is only going up from here. When asked about how she felt about her success, the musician humbly mentioned her listeners and the people who have supported her music through the years.

“Thank you, always, for listening to my music. You’re the reason singer-songwriters like me have the opportunity to keep growing, because you take the time to listen to our art. That means more than I can ever fully express. So, truly, thank you.”

Janine invites you to come and celebrate with her on Sept. 6, 2025 (8 PM) at the New Frontier Theater. You can book your seats via TicketNet outlets nationwide and online. Tickets are priced at P3,850 (SVIP with soundcheck and photo op), P3,400 (VIP with soundcheck), P2,800 (Orchestra), P1,800 (Lodge), and P800 (Balcony).

For updates on new music releases from Janine, follow her on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.